Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi is commonly referred to simply as the “lats”. The name translates as “broadest of the back”, with the muscle spanning from the vertebral column to the humerus, and therefore composing the broadness of an athlete’s back.

Being highly active during the extension of adduction of the shoulder, the latissimus dorsi can be effectively targeted with pull/chin up variations.

Bodybuilders tend to place a lot of focus on their latissimus dorsi with it being responsible for the width of the back, thus contributing to the desirable v-taper appearance.